You're having an evening out for once. Check out the following before you bank on a babysitter:

What You Should Know

• Never leave your child with an under age babysitter. Anyone under 16 is a child in the eyes of the law and you can be held legally responsible if your baby is hurt while in their care.
  
  
• Ask how much recent experience she's had with children of a similar age.
  
  
• Ask for references and check that they're valid and look for verbal reassurance that your babysitter is caring, responsible and capable.
  
  
• Does she have any first aid training so you can be confident that she could cope in a crisis?

What the Baby Sitter Needs to Know

• Your child's routine and exactly what to do if they wake up. Leave out bottles, drinks, snacks and nappy changing equipment and anything she'll need to comfort them back to sleep. If you have a toddler, give a rundown of any rules you have - can they stay up, watch TV and how many stories before bed.
  
  
• Don't forget to mention anything else that may help, such as favourite cuddlies and leaving the light on.
  
  
• Reminder notes are a good idea - she may not remember everything.
  
  
• Leave important phone numbers where you can be contacted, your GP's and other emergency numbers.